President’s Message
On Thursday I had the pleasure of chairing the first meeting of the new VLGA Board where we elected our executive for the term. We got off to a great start and I can tell this is going to be a Board with energy, enthusiasm and commitment to our membership. Congratulations to Cr Trent McCarthy and Beth Ripper who have been elected as the Association’s Vice-Presidents, and to Cr Sebastian Klein who has been elected as Treasurer and will chair the resources and finance committee. At our meeting we discussed our plans for a wide-ranging dialogue to enhance our collective understanding of the challenges of local government and the prospects for improvement. You can read more in the article below. Last week I also chaired the first 2013 meeting of the VLGA’s Local Government Working Group on Gambling where we had presentations from the City of Moreland’s MoreConnect program and the City of Melbourne on the VCAT decision regarding the Francis Hotel. We also heard from the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation and about the 2013 Responsible Gambling Awareness Week. There are more VLGA councillor development courses coming up in March, including a free session for councillors interested in how local governments can deal with the impacts of problem gambling, so scroll down to register. I look forward to seeing many of you around and about - please don’t hesitate to be in touch on 0407 364 509 if I can be of assistance.
Cr Samantha Dunn
President
Keeping you up to date
Improving local government elections to strengthen democracy
Strengthening democracy is in the DNA of the VLGA – it’s why we were founded. With the 2012 local government elections completed, we believe it is time to reflect on how local democracy can be improved. In the coming months, we will be undertaking a public conversation to enhance our collective understanding of the challenges of local government and opportunities for improvement. We aim to draw on the insights of councillors, election candidates, local government officers, community activists and voters at large to develop a stronger evidence base about what is working in local government elections and how things can be improved. The conversation will cover key challenges like how to: increase community participation in the electoral process, enhance transparency and accountability, and ‘raise the bar’ on election campaign conduct. In the coming months we will release an election issues paper to get the conversation started. Our April Leading Edge Forum will provide an opportunity for VLGA members and supporters to contribute via a two-hour workshop. This work complements our research partnership with the Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government (ACELG) undertaking a comparative study of representative governance arrangements for local governments across Australia. More information will be released in the coming weeks. Please contact Toby Archer, Director Policy via email for further information.
Rating practices in local government
The Victorian Auditor General’s Office (VAGO) released a report on Rating Practices in Local Government last week. Based on an audit of twelve Victorian councils, the report found rating practices and community engagement in annual budgets and financial strategy could be improved. Along with the Ministerial Guidelines on Differential Rates, the report provides a catalyst for the local government sector to reflect on how we can work together with communities to address the long-term financial sustainability of local governments. The VLGA believes the report further confirms that a comprehensive review of the Local Government Act 1989 is an urgent priority, and should be undertaken as a partnership between the Victorian Government and local governments. In our view, the Victorian Government needs to work with local government to improve community understanding of the financial challenges the sector faces. This could be achieved by a community education program to be launched with the commencement of mandatory performance reporting in 2014-15. As VAGO recommends, councillors require greater support in developing strategies in response to these challenges. The VLGA has been lobbying for greater investment in capacity building for councillors particularly on rating strategies and council finances. Through our signature events, we have also been providing councillors with a forum to develop a critical awareness of public financial strategy. VAGO’s recommendation of mandatory rating strategies requires further consideration and consultation with the sector. We believe that further guidance from the Victorian Government should not be predicated on the adoption of punitive measures to managing costs and service profiles, such as rate capping.
Pokies Assessments: a ‘how to’ short course – save the date
The VLGA is hosting a training session on assessing the social and economic impacts of pokies in local communities again on Wednesday 10 April. The course is designed for statutory and strategic planners, councillors, social and community planners, social researchers, health professionals and consultants. This comprehensive training program will look at local government initiatives, research, practical case studies and tools for presenting strong cases. Stay tuned for more information.
Outdoor smoking legislative changes
Many VLGA members will be aware of the Victorian Coalition Government’s announcement that it will amend the Tobacco Act 1987. The Government plans to introduce State-wide smoking bans at children’s playgrounds, public swimming pools and sea baths, children’s sporting grounds and other recreational areas such as skate parks. This follows earlier action by the Government with the Tobacco Amendment (Smoking at Patrolled Beaches) Act 2012. The VLGA welcomes action to prohibit smoking in public places, and we look forward to working with the Government on implementing any future smoking bans.
New book - gamblers share their stories in Monash
From Ruin to Recovery - Gamblers share their stories, edited by Arnold Zable, is published by MonashLink Community Health Service. It is based on a series of writing workshops conducted by Zable under the auspices of MonashLink's Betting on a Better Life program. The book is available via the MonashLink website.
IAP2 Core Values Awards
IAP2 Australasia’s Core Values Awards recognise and encourage projects and organisations that are at the forefront of public participation. In 2013, IAP2 is offering two award categories: Project of the Year and Organisation of the Year. For more information about entering the awards you can download the Core Values Awards Entrant’s Kit.
Beware of scammers on NDIS!
Local governments may receive inquiries from the public about this concerning issue. The Australian Government has warned people to beware of contact from anyone claiming to work for the Government and who tries to make them pay an administration fee to access the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). There is no fee to join the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Suspected scams can be reported to the Government’s Scamwatch or by phoning 1300 795 995.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
‘Putting Together Your First Council Plan’ – new session due to popular demand!
Wednesday 6 March, 5.30-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
As the key strategic document, the Council Plan guides the direction of the local government into the future. Developing the four-year Council Plan is a crucial opportunity for councillors to set strategy and determine the priorities for the organisation. This training will focus on assisting all councillors to maximise their input into the new Plan, how to monitor and evaluate progress, and how to work with their colleagues and the administration to deliver an effective Council Plan that reflects issues and priorities. Hear from experienced councillors and officers, learn about successful approaches to working with colleagues and have the opportunity to draw on the experience of others to prepare for the Council Plan process. Download your registration form today.
March ‘Leading Edge’ Forum: Melbourne Metropolitan Planning Strategy - what does it mean for the future of Melbourne and Victoria?
Thursday 7 March, 6-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
The Victorian Coalition Government is developing its Metropolitan Planning Strategy. The public process and conversation began with the release of the Melbourne, let’s talk about the future discussion paper. This Leading Edge Forum will continue the conversation about the challenges and opportunities posed by our ever- growing metropolis. Panel speakers include Roz Hansen, Trevor Budge AM and Marcus Spiller. Register your attendance today.
*Note - where registration numbers are limited, VLGA members will be given priority
Tackling problem gambling – what can your council do?
Thursday 14 March, 5.30-8.30pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
As part of the VLGA’s ongoing advocacy on gambling reform, the Association is hosting an interactive forum for councillors to discuss the role of local governments in problem gambling policy in Victoria. Register to attend online.
‘The Council – CEO Relationship: Managing Performance’
Wednesday 20 March 5.30-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
Following this very successful Masterclass at the VLGA’s Essential Mayors’ Weekend, we are opening this session up for all councillors. Council’s role includes appointing and managing the CEO. This discussion workshop and panel will explore why performance management is important, why councillors have a role in providing quality feedback and how both parties can benefit from a strong process. Download the flyer and registration form.
Other Events
Volunteering and active citizenship in communities
Thursday 28 February, 5-7pm
Parkview Room, City of Boorondara civic centre, 340 Camberwell Rd, Camberwell
The Boroondara Volunteer Resource Centre invites you to join Vivian Hutchinson, a community activist, social entrepreneur and author of the book How Communities Heal- stories of social innovation and social change for a thought-provoking public lecture on the role of volunteering and active citizenship in improving our communities. This is a free event but bookings are essential. RSVP via email.
Youth participation and the Arts
Wednesday 13 March, 10am-1.30pm
YACVic boardroom, Level 2, 180 Flinders St, Melbourne
In this free session, Kate Duncan will team up with participants of Darebin City Council’s youth-led record label Decibels Records, to talk about how organisations can provide opportunities for young people interested in pursuing a career within the music industry. Chris Parkinson and Emily Mellon will draw from their experience developing the Yarra Youth Arts Program Action Plan 2012-2015, to discuss working with young people to inform a strategic approach to arts and cultural programming in a Local Government context. Lauren Oliver will share learnings from ‘As eye see it’, a photography project that has allowed young people in out-of-home care to share their experiences, have their voices heard, and bring about greater public understanding of children’s experiences in care. RSVP online is essential by Thursday 7 March.
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